Church Signs Across America (Hardcover)

by Steve Paulson (Author), Pam Paulson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Steve Paulson and Pam Paulson have found and documented the uncommon poetry and sly wit used to rouse the flock, and the book is curiously inspirational."-The New York Times Book Review

"Some of the most divine display advertising this side of the road to Damascus."-Life

"A fascinating glimpse into one of the smallest God-damned literary scenes in America." -Sacramento News & Review --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
Church Signs Across America celebrates the wit, charm, and verse of church signs from every state in the U.S. At the same time reverent and witty, these signs offer fascinating glimpses into American life that are variously humorous, inspirational, kitschy, and kind—and occasionally all those things at once. After finding their inspiration for the book during a road trip from Florida to Alaska, husband and wife team Steve and Pam Paulson traveled to every corner of the country photographing the signs of churches large and small, and of every denomination.

Among the gems uncovered over the course of the journey are puns, "Seven days without prayer makes one weak"; admonishments, "The Ten Commandments are not multiple choice"; family advice, "Families are like fudge . . . mostly sweet with a few nuts"; and sales pitches, "Looking for a lifeguard? Ours walks on water."

Church Signs Across America includes photographs of American churches both imposing and humble, and it is as remarkable for its display of the diversity of American church architecture as it is for the variety of humor and inspiration displayed in the signs. Appealing to both churchgoers and drive-by appreciators of this uniquely American form of wit and wisdom, this inimitable book is sure to become an uplifting and amusing classic—a laugh from the belly as well as from the heart.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Overlook Hardcover (March 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585677140
• ISBN-13: 978-1585677146
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #159,423 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #81 in

  Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Tourist Destinations & Museums

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun book for pastors and church members alike, March 17, 2007

By	Robert Hammond (Trumbull, CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This new book from Steve Paulson (and his wife) is a pleasure to flip through. The church signs are variably humorous, witty and even convicting. The book is well-made and the quality of the pictures is terrific. This would make a great gift for a pastor who needs to keep his church sign (as well as his pews) full. I recommend this book without reservation.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting Picture Book, May 15, 2007

By	K. E. Swatt "Mortgage Broker" (Bloomfield, NJ) - See all my reviews

This is a wonderful, spiritually uplifting coffee table volume. The photos show 142 different messages on the roadside signs from a wide variety of churches throughout America. It's just as you would see them if driving by. Great stuff.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Gift..., July 10, 2007

By	M. Hill (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This absolutely delightful book includes a cross-section of the country's church signs. Sometimes amusing, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes inspiring and sometimes head-scratching. A powerful combination of marketing and faith. And, the architecture of the churches is a fascinating bonus. A perfect gift for someone in need of a lift.